Pyrethroid’s are pesticides used to control ants, spiders and other pests. Due to the toxic runoff these pesticides can cause, the California Departments of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has proposed restrictions on their use.
These restrictions would not pertain to individual consumers, but would affect businesses that apply them to homes, other structures and in landscape areas. The proposed regulation would not prohibit the use of pyrethroids, but would not allow businesses to apply pyrethroids when it rains, when puddles are present and over drains.
The purpose of the restrictions is to reduce contamination of surface water. According to DPR Chief Deputy Director Chris Reardon,
“Surface water monitoring data collected for the state’s regional water quality control boards and monitoring by our staff continue to show that pesticide runoff in both urban and agricultural waterways exceed levels toxic to some small aquatic organisms. Most people don’t realize that pesticides used to control ants, spiders and other pests in and around homes, commercial and industrial buildings and landscapes can affect aquatic life. While pesticide use is closely associated with agriculture, more than half of the products regulated by DPR are for commercial, industrial and home use.”
Regardless if the proposed regulation passes, we can all reduce the use of pyrethroids. To learn more, please see our previous urban runoff blog post.
